Diaper rash is a rash (reddened) around the diaper area. The rash is more irritated by wearing a diaper. Moisture forms under the diaper and on the skin which then irritates the skin, causing the rash. Diaper rash is most common in babies with sensitive skin and when diarrhea is present. Prolonged exposure to urine, stool, and heat can cause diaper rash. Certain chemicals from laundry detergents and food can also cause diaper rash. When treated properly, it usually clears up in three days. Risk increases with bouts of diarrhea, wet diapers, soiled diapers, sensitive skin, allergic reactions, heat (hot and humid weather), detergents or bleach not completely rinsed out of cloth diapers, using plastic training pants, and not cleaning the diaper area completely after diaper changes.

Symptoms may include:

• Reddened or spotty areas of the skin in the diaper area that may be itchy
• A fussy baby when the diaper is soiled
• Possibly a yeast infection (red rash with sharp raised borders and white scales).

What your doctor can do:

• Diagnose the rash by asking about symptoms and doing a physical exam.
• Prescribe special creams or ointments for a sever rash or infected rash.
• If a yeast infection is present, recommend an anti-fungal cream for use.

What you can do:

• Change the diapers frequently (check every hour) to keep the bottom clean and dry.
• Avoid using plastic training pants as this will keep the skin moist and irritate it further.
• Clean the diaper area with warm water and pat dry. Avoid using baby wipes as this can further irritate the rash.
• Use a mild soap (such as Dove) to remove any bacteria from the skin. Rinse well with warm water and pat dry.
• Allow your baby's bottom to be exposes to the air as much as possible each day. Let her be without a diaper for a period of time. Nap-time is a good time to keep the diaper off of your baby. This lets air circulate around the diaper rash and helps heal the skin.
• Put the diaper on loosely to allow as much air as possible to circulate around the bottom.
• If a yeast infection is present, use Lotrimin AF ( anti-fungal) on the rash. Clean the skin with warm water and pat dry. Apply the Lotrimin AF to the skin first, then an ointment such as Desitin, over the Lotrimin. This will provide a protective layer over the skin. Continue to allow periods of time for the bottom to be exposed to the air.
• A diaper cream containing zinc oxide can be beneficial to healing the skin. Heat rash can be treated with diaper cream.
• When diarrhea is present, use an ointment after a diaper change to provide a moisture barrier on the skin.
• A rash caused by  friction (shiny pink rash) can be prevented with cornstarch powder. Use after a diaper change.
• Avoid using talcum powders
• Wash cloth diapers first in hot water with detergent then wash on the second cycle with bleach. Bleach kills bacteria (vinegar does not). Use an extra rinse cycle if necessary to remove all of the detergent and bleach.
• Avoid giving your baby any food or juice known to cause diaper rash.

What you can expect:

• Complete healing of the diaper rash within 3 - 10 days

Contact your doctor if the rash develops into open blisters, boils, or develops a crust; becomes raw or bleeds; spreads outside the diaper area; is not better in three days; is painful enough to interrupt sleep; if you suspect a yeast infection, or if fever develops. If your son is circumcised and the end of the penis develops a sore or scab along with the diaper rash, contact your doctor.

Contact Lake Area Pediatrics at
(936) 582-5620